The album was “The Wall.” The group was Pink Floyd. The song, “Comfortably Numb,” one of the few songs which can turn me into a human fountain of tears time and time again.
The why of it is the subject of this reflection.
When I first heard this song I was half-heartedly trying to stay sober. My logical mind knew getting sober was the right thing to do, but my heart had other thoughts on the matter, and my physical addiction was having none of that nonsense.
At one time I was a “normal drinker,” meaning I could have one or two, get a little buzz, and stop. No problem, a nice little relaxer after a tough day, or a nice relaxer out having fun with friends, getting comfortably numb because, well, it felt good. I was able to continue like that for several years before the desire to feel comfortably numb day in, day out, 24/7 became the norm, and once it did, there was no stopping Billy Boy, to the point I preferred feeling numb over feeling pain, disappointment, shame, sorrow, you know, those human emotions we all must endure.
Which really slides us into the second reason why this song hit a bullseye with my tear ducts . . . I find humanity in 2024 to be, on the whole, looking for ways to numb themselves from the reality of living. Drug use, alcohol abuse, over-indulgence, overeating, smoking, oh my God the computer, online rabbit holes, social media, video games, gambling, sexual perversion, human trafficking, religious cults, retail therapy, shall I continue, have I hit home with you yet, do you hear me, Brothers and Sisters?
Of course I’m not talking about everyone, but you know it to be true, the numbers are increasing, not decreasing, blame it on the Democrats, blame it on the Republicans, blame it on the economy or uncaring parents or the effects of Gama Rays on your psyche, far too many people are afraid, angry, anxious, depressed, fill in the blanks for your particular “ism,” and the thought of feeling comfortably numb sounds damned good for far too many. . . .
And I find that sad. Mind you, I understand it, but I still find it profoundly sad.
Sis, I would not trade my life for any other. The view I have now is magnificent and will continue to get better if I allow it to do so.
No, you are the best!!!
Yes, Bro…..quite sadly, we’re all becoming more and more aware of the “state” of far too many fellow humans during these heavy-duty trying times. I love you and applaud you for your caring, humbling, as well as uplifting messages based on your own personal experience. We all need to hear these stories of eventual triumph over the many adversities we find ourselves facing at one point or another throughout life.
What is so valuable is realizing that we can actually become our own Hero!! As you know, I’ve had my share of steep uphill climbs…..Looking back with clear vision is just one of the rewards…..right,Bro? You’re the BEST!
Sending you and Bev & families Hugs & Prayers! Big Sis
It is an epidemic, my friend, one which many communities fail to face.
It is sad, the numbers of people who have mental health issues and also the way that people seem less resilient to the ups and downs of life.